Area Foundation selects new fund advisor

As we continue to embrace changes that will help us better serve our donors and the community, the San Antonio Area Foundation has selected a new investment advisor.

Beginning March 1, 2013, Shepherd Kaplan LLC will be managing $135 million in assets within the Area Foundation’s $225 million portfolio.

Although we have been satisfied with our investment results with the advisor that we have relied upon for the past 10 years, our investment committee has a policy of issuing a request for proposals (RFP) to new prospective advisors every four to five years. We do this to ensure the best strategic management of the Area Foundation’s investments.

Why change investment advisors if we were satisfied? We do this because we are committed to exercising prudent financial management, and because we must manage risk. The investment committee and all involved have strong confidence that Shepherd Kaplan is our answer to both of these priorities.

Based on uncertain economic conditions and feedback from our donors, the investment committee wanted to evaluate strategies that might limit downside exposure in the event of a market collapse such as we experienced in 2008.

Strong management of the investments with which our donors have entrusted us makes it possible for funds at the Area Foundation to support programs that strengthen nonprofits, improve education, empower women and girls, strengthen families, save animals, further life-saving medical research, protect the environment and address needs in all areas of our city.

Area Foundation donors and other community stakeholders will have an opportunity to meet David Shepherd, co-founder and managing partner of Shepherd Kaplan at our annual luncheon and investment meeting on Feb. 20 at the San Antonio Country Club.

Guest speaker Keith Phillips, senior economist and policy advisor with the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, San Antonio Branch, will speak on the topic “The 2013 Texas Economic Outlook: Slightly Slower but Still Great to be in Texas.”

For additional information, or to RSVP, please contact Heather Diehl at hdiehl@saafdn.org, or 210-228-3768.

Dennis E. Noll is President and CEO of the San Antonio Area Foundation.

The San Antonio Area Foundation, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2014, makes grants from funds established by individuals, families, businesses or other entities to support charitable causes. The Area Foundation manages more than $250 million in assets and has distributed more than $230 million for scholarships and grants to educate youth, preserve the environment, protect animals, fund research and provide services that enhance the quality of life in our region.